Are social networks getting out of hand with celebrities jumping on board?
By Meaghan Ziemba, Associate Editor, PD&D
I recently read a CNN article and viewed a CNN Larry King clip discussing Ashton Kutcher gaining 1 million followers on his Twitter account. Let’s stop the presses and make plans for celebration.
He and Sean Combs – aka, P Diddy – were discussing how they used Twitter not to feed into their narcissistic egotistical celebrityness, but to make changes in this world by sharing what they deem to be important information. They continued to say that the social networking site shouldn’t be looked at as a platform for celebrities like themselves, but as one for ordinary Joe Schmoes to have a voice in this world and a chance to make a difference.
Then why isn’t a Joe Schmoe promoting the microblog on Larry King, instead of the Punk’d TV host? Furthermore, what gains have been produced knowing that Oprah joined the Tweeting society?
While social networking sites do offer benefits; especially for businesses promoting new merchandise and materials, and families and friends reconnecting; do celebrities really need to tweet to self-promote their attempts of “changing the world?”
Diddy claimed Tweeting helps him get connected with his fans and provide information that expresses the true him. Knock on their doors then, and have a cup coffee. Invite them to your residence and discuss your personal life face to face. Call them on the phone.
PD&D uses Twitter to promote recent articles, new articles and industry news throughout the industry that might be unaware of the publication. Other business and entrepreneurs use it with similar intentions; to promote business and services in keeping people informed.
I’m on Facebook to catch up with friends and family. I don’t latch on to celebrities and catch up on their attempts at clearing misinformation, or to see what “good things” they are doing in the world. If they want to make that big of a difference, how about donating some of the millions of dollars they make?
The promotion of Kutcher’s one millionth follower didn’t make any difference in the world. Maybe to some fanatics it is important to know that they can tweet him and be twatted in return. But his appearance on Larry King only exalted Twitter, and made it appear that celebrities can’t get enough recognition in front of cameras.
Twitter can be a great social networking site allowing for genuine connections and promotions for small businesses. However, Kutcher’s TV appearance made it seem that celebrities are abusing the site to promote their own agendas and initiatives, and that’s exactly what was shown on Larry King. Kutcher and Diddy never discussed what changes they were trying to make, they only discussed their “Twitter DNA,” how many followers they had, and passed t-shirts around with their twitter addresses.
While I myself am a microblogger, I am not racing at the chance to follow any major celebrity that may have a Twitter or Facebook account. They have enough recognition, and don’t need any more attention to boost their egos. If they want to make changes, go make them, don’t tweet about making them.
What’s your take? E-mail comments to meaghan.ziemba@advantagemedia.com